For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:9

We all slack off once in a while, but there is nothing more irritating than a team member who is a habitual slacker. Just think about the last time someone on your team was late to a meeting, delayed a project, or didn't follow through on a responsibility. This lack of hard work creates a growing irritation that impacts the chemistry and the goals you are working to accomplish as a team.

Paul, when writing this letter to his friends in Thessalonica, references his hard work. He establishes that he was not a slacker. He was not a financial, emotional, or physical burden to their team. He delivered some good ol' fashion grit. As we understand it, Paul was a skilled tent-maker, who produced his own income, so he did not need to ask his friends for a handout, all while establishing the church in their area.

Today consider how your hard work contributes not only to better team dynamics but what it communicates about you and God. Hard work, grit, and drive are forces that amplify God and in turn, advance the gospel.

DO THIS: Work hard and amplify the gospel.

PRAYER: God, I may not feel motivated every day to do the hard work I need to do. But today help me to go all-in. I pray that through my effort the people around me will see my love and passion for you, and not just the work I do.